Kratom for RLS – A Natural Remedy for Restless Legs?

Yes, certain strains of kratom can absolutely help with RLS.However, there are risks—kratom can be habit-forming, and in some countries and states, it is classified as a controlled substance and illegal.

Its effects can resemble those of morphine, painkillers, and muscle relaxants.Common medical treatments for RLS include dopamine agonists, opioids, and certain muscle relaxants. However, these can come with side effects such as dependency, tolerance buildup, and other long-term issues. Because of this, more and more people are looking for alternative solutions—and this is where kratom comes into the picture.

How Can Kratom Help with RLS?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant from Southeast Asia that contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, two alkaloids that affect the body’s opioid receptors, dopamine system, and nerve signaling.

These effects may explain why some people experience relief from their RLS symptoms when using kratom:

• Binds to opioid receptors → Similar to the effects of certain painkillers, including opioids sometimes prescribed for severe RLS.• Muscle-relaxing properties → Helps reduce involuntary movements and leg tension.• May affect the dopamine system → Dopamine deficiency is believed to be a key factor in RLS, and kratom may indirectly support dopamine receptors.• Improves sleep quality → Many people with RLS struggle to sleep, and kratom can contribute to deeper, more restorative sleep.

Red Kratom – The Best Option for RLS

Kratom comes in several varieties—red, green, and white—each with different effects depending on its chemical composition.For people with RLS, red kratom appears to be the best choice because it has:

• The most pronounced pain-relieving effect → Compared to other strains, red kratom binds more strongly to opioid receptors, providing better pain relief.• Calming and muscle-relaxing properties → Unlike white and green kratom, which can be more stimulating, red kratom is relaxing.• Better sleep support → Since it has more sedative effects, it can help people with RLS fall asleep more easily and reduce nighttime awakenings.

Certain specific strains of red kratom help with RLS. In the book Restless Legs: Discover the Cause and Find the Cure, I list the strains.

How Does Kratom Compare to Traditional RLS Treatments?

Mechanism of Action

Kratom binds to opioid receptors and indirectly affects the dopamine system, which can contribute to pain relief and relaxation.Traditional RLS medications, such as pramipexole and ropinirole, work by directly increasing dopamine levels in the brain.Some opioids are also prescribed for severe RLS, but they carry a higher risk of dependency.

Risk of Respiratory Depression

Kratom has a very low risk of causing respiratory depression, even at higher doses.This is different from opioids like morphine and oxycodone, which can lead to life-threatening breathing problems if overdosed.

Dependency Potential

Long-term kratom use can lead to tolerance and mild withdrawal symptoms if suddenly discontinued.However, compared to oxycodone and hydrocodone—sometimes prescribed for severe RLS and highly addictive—kratom is generally considered to have a lower risk profile.

Effect on Sleep

Many users report that red kratom improves sleep quality, especially in those with RLS-related sleep disturbances.

contrast, dopamine agonists and opioids can disrupt REM sleep and, in some cases, worsen sleep onset problems.

Legal Status of Kratom in Different Countries

Kratom’s legal status varies widely across the world.

Countries Where Kratom Is Legal:

• Germany – Not classified as a narcotic, but sales are regulated.

• Thailand – Legalized in 2021 after previously being banned.

• USA (partially) – Legal at the federal level, but some states have bans.

Countries Where Kratom Is Illegal:

• Sweden – Classified as a narcotic as of March 11, 2025.

• Australia – Banned, classified as a controlled substance.

• Denmark – Illegal to possess and sell.

• USA (states with bans): Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While kratom can provide effective relief for RLS, there are certain risks and precautions to consider:

• Tolerance and dependency – Long-term use can lead to tolerance buildup and, in some cases, withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

• Individual variation – Not everyone responds the same way to kratom; some may experience side effects like nausea, dizziness, or headaches.

• Interactions with other medications – May affect other drugs that impact the central nervous system.

Conclusion

Kratom, particularly the red variety, appears to offer relief for RLS due to its pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing, and dopamine-influencing effects.For those who do not find sufficient relief from conventional treatments or who want to avoid certain medication side effects, kratom may be an alternative worth exploring.However, responsible use is essential, and individual responses can vary.